US ports awarded infrastructure grants

The US$580 million in Port Infrastructure Development Program awards will fund 31 projects across 15 states and one territory. Awards range in size from US$53,526,756 for the Port of San Juan Puerto Rico to restore key wharves to US$708,750 for a planning project at the Port of Harlingen in Texas.

“Modernising America’s port infrastructure is essential to strengthening the multimodal network that supports our nation’s supply chain,” said Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips.

“Approximately 2.3 billion short tons of goods move through US waterways each year, and the benefits of developing port infrastructure extend far beyond the maritime sector. “This funding enhances the flow and capacity of goods moved, bolstering supply chain resilience across all transportation modes, and addressing the environmental and health impacts on port communities.”

Key awards include US$50 million for the Cargo Terminal 1 Replacement Project at the Don Young Port of Alaska. This grant will fund the demolition of the existing terminal, along with the construction of a new trestle and wharf structure, as well as necessary landside facilities and utilities.

California’s Outer Harbor Terminal Infrastructure Modernisation Project at the Port of Oakland has been awarded US$49.5 million for structural repairs, including wharf strengthening, crane rail replacements and upgrades to the electrical system at Berths 24-26.

Florida’s Port Everglades Regional Port Operations with Emissions Reductions Project received US$53.4 million for the purchase of various electric and hybrid vehicles and equipment, along with the installation of charging infrastructure and a comprehensive electrification plan aimed at reducing emissions.

The Garden City Terminal Power Resiliency Project in Georgia has been awarded nearly US$50 million to create a self-contained power distribution network for the terminal, enhancing resilience by reducing reliance on local electric grids and increasing available capacity.

As awardees begin the necessary paperwork, the American Association of Port Authorities continues to urge congress to keep funding PIDP at the full authorised amount and get shovels in the ground faster by passing the bipartisan Permitting Optimization for Responsible Transportation Act which slashes red tape and streamlines outdated permitting.